Clyde C. Gustafson, 83

May 13, 2014

Clyde Calvin Gustafson, 83, departed this life on Friday, December 13, 2013 in his residence.
He was born Dec. 4, 1930 in International Falls, Minnesota, the oldest child of the late Yngve and Edna (Beeching) Gustafson. Â His family lived on the Rainy River in Baudette, Minn, until he was 11, and then moved to Indiana.
Preceding him in death, was his beloved wife, Janet Martin Gustafson, who died March 2, 2013 after becoming ill while visiting in California. Â They were married October 22, 1949 at the Tunker Church of the Brethren.
Survivors include two sons, Lee (Martha) Gustafson, W. Va., and Eric ( Maria) Gustafson, Wash.; and one daughter, Penny Jo (John) Gallagher, Calif. Â One son, the oldest child, Jay Gustafson, died in 1990 at age 40 having lived with polio since birth.
Clyde is also survived by his sisters Barbra (Ronald) Scheele of Fort Wayne, Janice (Frank) Huston of Fort Wayne, and Ruth (Doye) Phillips, Ark. Â One sister, Margret (Bill) Finnell preceded him in death on March 13, 2013. Â He is survived by six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
Clyde graduated from Columbia City High School with the class of 1949 and lettered in football and track. Â He married his high school love, Janet, soon after graduation. He built his familyâ€™s first home on the farm owned and operated by Janetâ€™s parents, the late Therman and Edna Martin, in Tunker. Â The family moved to Marion in 1956. Â
Clyde worked for General Motors in Marion, and was a die maker for GM for over 36 years. Â Clyde and Janet also operated Gusâ€™s Dairy Bar for 20 years. Â Ice cream at Gusâ€™s Dairy Bar was a favorite summertime treat for people in Grant County.
Clyde was an active volunteer and served his community well. He and Janet were members of the Upland Community church where Clyde contributed his labor to build additions as the church grew.Â He helped transport and provide equipment for the clients served by the Grant County Crippled Childrenâ€™s Society. Â He was a member of the Sons of Harmony Barbershop Quartet and rode motorcycles with the Over The Hill Gang. Â
He greatly enjoyed joining his friends and neighbors at their Saturday Menâ€™s Breakfast Club. He loved his garden and worked on projects around the house. He always made time for puzzles and card games with friends and family.
Clyde was known for his sense of humor, calm, and smile. Â He embraced his Swedish heritage and often replied with â€śYah, you betchaâ€ť and â€śwhatever you do, donâ€™t get excited.â€ť
Memorials may be made to the Upland Community Church, 439 West Berry Avenue, Upland, Ind., 46989, or Family Life Care Hospice, 265 W. Water St., Berne, Ind., 46711 or The Grant County Society for Crippled Children, 1505 W. Overlook Rd., Marion, Ind., 46952-1124.